Ever had a dessert that feels like a tropical vacation for your taste buds? Let me introduce you to my latest kitchen creation—Banana Coconut Foster, where velvety caramel meets boozy bananas and a sprinkle of toasted coconut magic.
I adore blending the potent, tropical essences of coconut and banana in my Banana Coconut Foster. With unsalted butter and dark brown sugar taking the lead as the main components of the caramel base, adding coconut cream brings a fabulous texture that you won’t soon forget.
A tiny pinch of cinnamon serves to heighten the brackets of flavor between the sweet, caramely bananas, and the creamy coconut. Then, when we hit the final notes of the experience with the toasted coconut and a healthy splash of dark rum, we’re getting pretty close to dessert heaven.
Banana Coconut Foster Recipe Ingredients
- Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and smooth flavor to the sauce.
- Dark Brown Sugar: Provides deep caramel notes and sweetness.
- Coconut Cream: Enhances creaminess and adds a tropical touch.
- Bananas: Supplies natural sweetness, fiber, and potassium.
- Dark Rum: Offers complexity and warms the sauce.
- Toasted Coconut: Contributes flavor and satisfying crunch.
Banana Coconut Foster Recipe Ingredient Quantities
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup dark brown sugar
- 1/4 cup coconut cream
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 ripe bananas, sliced
- 1/4 cup dark rum
- 1/4 cup shredded coconut, toasted
- Ice cream, for serving (vanilla works well)
How to Make this Banana Coconut Foster Recipe
1. In a big frying pan, melt the butter without salt over medium heat until it starts to foam.
2. Stir in the dark brown sugar and and keep stirring until it dissolves completely into the smooth, luscious caramel.
3. Add the coconut cream and continue stirring, letting the mixture thicken somewhat.
4. Add the ground cinnamon to the sauce, stirring well to incorporate this star ingredient.
5. Place the sliced bananas in the skillet, gently turning them to coat in the caramel sauce.
6. Prepare the bananas for 2-3 minutes on each side so that they are tender and slightly caramelized.
7. Pour in the dark rum carefully, and then stir gently to combine with the sauce.
8. If you want, use a long lighter to light the rum and create a flambe effect, burning off the alcohol, and then let the flames go out naturally.
9. Take the skillet off the heat, and shower the bananas with the toasted shredded coconut.
10. Immediately serve the Vanilla Ice Cream scoops with the Banana Coconut Foster over the top. This classic dessert receives a tropical twist and is ready to indulge in right away!
Banana Coconut Foster Recipe Equipment Needed
1. Large frying pan or skillet
2. Wooden spoon or heat-resistant spatula
3. Measuring spoons
4. Measuring cup
5. Long lighter (optional, for flambéing)
6. Serving bowls or plates
7. Ice cream scoop
FAQ
- Can I use regular cream instead of coconut cream?You can use normal heavy cream instead of coconut cream, but you will lose some of the coconut flavor that nicely complements the bananas.
- Is there a non-alcoholic substitute for the dark rum?
Yes, you can use rum extract or a mix of apple juice and vanilla extract as a substitute for dark rum. - How do I toast shredded coconut?To toast shredded coconut, spread it evenly on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned.
- Can I use other fruits instead of bananas?Although bananas are the standard fruit, feel free to try other options such as pineapple or mango. Just know that the taste and texture will be distinctive.
- Can this recipe be made ahead?The sauce is best served immediately so that the warm sauce can mingle with the cold ice cream. However, it can be prepared ahead of time and reheated gently before serving. If you do prepare it ahead, don’t worry about the sauce thickening. Just warm it up, and it will be fine.
- What type of ice cream works best with this dish?Vanilla ice cream goes well with the flavors, but coconut or chocolate ice cream would also be excellent.
Banana Coconut Foster Recipe Substitutions and Variations
Coconut oil: A dairy-free alternative for unsalted butter.
Coconut sugar and maple syrup can be used as alternatives to dark brown sugar.
Coconut cream: Instead, use cream of coconut or heavy cream.
Substitutes for dark rum are coconut rum, which gives a slight twist to drinks, and it is perfectly fine to use apple juice if you want your cocktail to be non-alcoholic.
Coconut that has been toasted and shredded: A good alternative could be unsweetened shredded coconut or chopped nuts that are quite similar in consistency, like pecans.
Pro Tips
1. Enhance the Caramel Sauce: For an extra depth of flavor, add a pinch of sea salt to the caramel sauce once the sugar has dissolved. This will help balance the sweetness and enhance the overall taste.
2. Perfectly Toasted Coconut: Toast the shredded coconut in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring constantly until it’s golden brown and fragrant. This can be done ahead of time and will add a delightful crunch and flavor contrast to the dish.
3. Optimal Banana Texture: Use bananas that are ripe but still firm to ensure they hold their shape when cooked. Overripe bananas may become mushy during cooking.
4. Rum Substitution: If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, substitute the rum with a splash of vanilla extract or fruit juice, such as apple or pineapple juice, for a slightly different flavor profile.
5. Ice Cream Pairing: For a more adventurous pairing, try serving the bananas with coconut or caramel-flavored ice cream to further enhance the tropical notes of the dessert.
Banana Coconut Foster Recipe
My favorite Banana Coconut Foster Recipe
Equipment Needed:
1. Large frying pan or skillet
2. Wooden spoon or heat-resistant spatula
3. Measuring spoons
4. Measuring cup
5. Long lighter (optional, for flambéing)
6. Serving bowls or plates
7. Ice cream scoop
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup dark brown sugar
- 1/4 cup coconut cream
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 ripe bananas, sliced
- 1/4 cup dark rum
- 1/4 cup shredded coconut, toasted
- Ice cream, for serving (vanilla works well)
Instructions:
1. In a big frying pan, melt the butter without salt over medium heat until it starts to foam.
2. Stir in the dark brown sugar and and keep stirring until it dissolves completely into the smooth, luscious caramel.
3. Add the coconut cream and continue stirring, letting the mixture thicken somewhat.
4. Add the ground cinnamon to the sauce, stirring well to incorporate this star ingredient.
5. Place the sliced bananas in the skillet, gently turning them to coat in the caramel sauce.
6. Prepare the bananas for 2-3 minutes on each side so that they are tender and slightly caramelized.
7. Pour in the dark rum carefully, and then stir gently to combine with the sauce.
8. If you want, use a long lighter to light the rum and create a flambe effect, burning off the alcohol, and then let the flames go out naturally.
9. Take the skillet off the heat, and shower the bananas with the toasted shredded coconut.
10. Immediately serve the Vanilla Ice Cream scoops with the Banana Coconut Foster over the top. This classic dessert receives a tropical twist and is ready to indulge in right away!